2002 X5 3.0

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

9/10

"No doubt about it, this is the best vehicle I have owned in 36 years of driving. Purchased off eBay with 53k miles, I have added 40k miles in the last year with few problems. Only unexpected expense was a blower relay for the AC.
Fuel mileage is amazing: 19.7 mpg in town and up to 25.6 mpg on the highway, even running 70 mph. Performance is more than acceptable from the 3.0 six cylinder. Towing our Waverunner is an easy task, and reduces fuel mileage about 10%. Very quiet as well, with almost no windnoise.
The handling and ride are just the right balance between comfort and control. Mine does not have the sport package, and from what I have read and heard, the sport package can make the X5 uncomfortably hard riding for some people. But I am extremely pleased with the base suspension setup, and will go from the stock 235/65R17 tires to a set of 255/60R17 on the next replacement to enhance the cornering just a bit.
New ones are a bit pricey, but they do hold their value very well. And you can't beat the free service under the warranty - but mine of course was used with an expired warranty - so how has it been?
I have had to replace the brake pads and rotors (went with ceramic pads - dust free!), but that is normal at 60k miles. I also had to replace the front axles because the previous owner didn't catch the cracked CV joint boots. Keep an eye on those things. The repair bill was $1100, but I don't think that was the fault of the vehicle.
I change the oil and filter every ten thousand miles (synthetic of course), even though the indicator looks like it would go about fourteen thousand. Surprisingly, the dealer only charges $80 for that service, and they alway do a quick check for any leaks, and inspect the belts and hoses, as well as top off the windshield cleaner and wash the vehicle.
There are two minor convenience items: sometimes the automatic climate control is a little slow to kick the fan speed back up when you're sitting in the sun, and I can't get rid of a slow speed rattle from the left side of the liftgate. The dealer knows about the rattle problem and the 2007 liftgate design has eliminated that one.
Overall, I am sure I will drive the wheels off this thing, on my way to another in the future!"

Reviewer Ratings

Pros: "Keeps value very well over the years, quiet, drives like a car."

Cons: "...can't think of any."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I couldn't ask more out of an SUV. The gas mileage is excellent on the 3.0 (18mpg combined), and it has been nothing but reliable over the past 3 years of my ownership. Don't let complaints of maintenance costs from others fool you. If you have general mechanic experience then you too can maintain this yourself quite cheaply - order parts online: autohausaz, pelican, etc."

favorite car ever!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"My husband and I have owned 5 BMW's and my 2001 X5 3.0 is my favorite. I have owned it almost 6 years and it just hit 100 k miles! I call it my "tank" and "snow beast'.I love everything about it except my passenger seat is not power which i think should be standard on a luxury suv in this price range. We have had to replace 2 window regulators and the power door locks were malfunctioning, both inexpensive fixes considering that's all we have had to fix on a car with that much milage! My husband and I have never had any major mechanical problems on ANY of our BMW's and his has 172 K! We have both been in wrecks that should have taken our lives and we walked away! We will always be loyal to BMW!"

BMW X5 4.4i with Sport Package

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"My hubby bought me my 2001 X5 and I have never been so impressed with a vehicle. I have had MANY vehicles and SUVs but this one is the greatest. It is incredible just like my Denali but small enough to whip around town in a flash and still have room for the kids and pets. We haven't had any problems with ours and it has just hit the 106k mile marker.
I would buy this kind of reliable luxury again and again!"

"I have gotten over 100k miles in this vehicle in roughly 5 years...I will NEVER own anything but a BMW as long as my economic situation can support it. My next BMW will be another X5 or X6. I cannot recommend a better SAV (sports activity vehicle)!"

11 years old -people stlll think my BMW X5 is New!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

9/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Pros: "Luxurious"

Cons: "repair bills"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Gas mileage is pretty good...I use Plus gas with no problems. I love all the bells and whistles like automatic rain sensors for the wipers. So versatile, back seats go down. I've taken 10 foot trees home completely inside it. Sooo comfortable on long trips. Only drawback is repairs... first need to have a good, honest dealership near you. Repairs are costly. This car has special sensors and such, so the repairman has to know the BMW."

"I will never buy another BMW maintenance is to high.Bought car in 2005 had 65000 miles. Two months later had to spend $1300 on fan belt radiator and car battery. Year later another $1100. Then $900 to pass smog,$400 on hoses. $90 to have window re-set do to it dropping.2011 spent $1360 oil leak and to pass smog. Same month oil still leaking now i was being told it is coming from somewhere else and the engine would have to come out.A big job i was quoted at a couple of place $2 to $3 thousand to fix. One other place quoted $6600 they have lost their mind. The car was only worth $6000.Let me not forget motor gone in two windows repair would have costed over $1000. Back door handles sticking you would have to darn near snatch you arm out of place to pull them open. Front drivers door inside latch broke had to roll window down to open door from outside handle. To Repair would have been on all doors bout $2000. Wow. Rear left light some sort of shortage to repair would have cost $260 for the outside cover panel another $200 to $300 hundred to repair socket due to poor conection at BMW dealer. All these reapairs at the labor cost of $180 an hour. Other cetified BMW repair shops labor $110 to 120. The cheapest cost were the light bulbs from $8 to $12 and the BMW emblem cap the fits over the rim on the tire at a only shocking price of $6. Everywhere i go BMW horror stories including from a financil clerk at the credit union that financed the car loan. The shuttle driver at my job people ridding the shuttle all voicing their BMW horrer stories. Even on guy at BMW told me he would not purchase one and that a lot of people are trying to get out of theirs.Upside down of it all these cars look good but in the long will burn a hole in your pocket. So you need to start a special bank account for BMW repairs only and do trust you will use it all. This is not a person working to survive car i think even the well off would get tired of spending money on repairs. Again never want another one new or used. Buyer Be ware"

"I have owned many many Vehicles including suv's. My BMW X5 is the best vehicle ever. I bought it new and will keep it till it dies!! It corners like a dream has tight steering and good pickup. Best ever in the snow."

"This car is another great example of German engineering. It is excellent in all weather conditions but is still sporty and a blast to drive on curves. The features and luxury are awesome! I love this car and look forward to another 100K miles (currently at 150K). It is expensive to repair and maintain but is worth it (note: The 4.6iS model is prone to transmission issues - which mine had, but repaired now)"

"I bought my X5 2001 used, it now has almost 150K miles, and the mechanic repair bills topped $3000 this year alone. The power windows (2 of them) went out also, each costing 400 to repair. On top of that 14mpg city and 15mpg highway. I really like this beemer, but it is just too much to maintain."

It's a lifesaver

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

9/10

"My 2006 X5 replaced my 2001 X5. There was no other choice to replace the SAV that literally saved my life. My '01 was hit on the NJ Turnpike - a little Nissan clipped me under the back right (she was doing 90 mph) and the BMW rolled twice, then spun for a quarter of a mile - on the driver's side! When the car finally stopped, I popped the sunroof open and climbed out. I had cuts on my hand, but no other injuries. (I was alone, thank God). The state trooper could not believe that I was alive after he saw the car. Until then, I had driven it for 60,000 miles with no trouble at all. When it came time to replace it, I just did not feel as safe in any other vehicle.
So far, the '06 is great. And, I will not drive anything else as long as I can climb into an SUV!!"

Excellent SUV....

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

9/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"Overall this has been an excellent vehicle. I purchased an extended warranty, and it was worth every penny. These are great cars if you can afford the upkeep as well as the price of gasoline. I can definitely say that although its now well over $80.00 a tank of gas, I'm still a fan and will continue to drive this vehicle."

great SAV

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"In three years that i've had this vechile it's been off the road through deep mud probably more than anyone has ever had one of these badies off the road. Never stuck, great road car, safe and solid. Almost no problems and when the arose they were attended to by the dealership quickly and professionally. It would be hard to go to anything other than a BMW at this pointe. I've averaged 21 MPG thru the life of this auto...."

"I owned the X5is BMW and loved it!It seems like the body is made of steel because all the doors are heavy. Very strongly built and I feel safe to drive in it! Doesn't need any repairs within the 5yrs or extended warranty, but very pricey to fix if warranties expires. Some repairs have "break my wallet"= BMW. Overall, one of the best and safest car I've driven."

long haul quality

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"This is my 3rd entry since buying the 2002 3.0 Now having 130,000 miles, my X5 runs like a brand new vehicle. Minor repairs over the past 50,000 miles. Tuneup, front signal lamp and belts. Of course I change the oil every 7k and buy new tires and balancing every 40k miles or so. Only had one brake job since hitting 50k miles. For those who own this vehicle and are wondering abount longevity and quality..trust me..hold on to this engineering gem! See you again at 175K!"

big disappointment

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

2/10

Value

1/10

Reliability

1/10

Quality

3/10

Performance

6/10

Styling

6/10

Comfort

5/10

"I thought by spending a few extra bucks I would buy some quality from a superb brand. This is the 2nd bmw I owned with which i had issues. Every time I go in the store, I hear the usual wear and tear story, but for a car that I bought new I would have expected some better quality and during.
Oil leaks (common problem i see on many message boards for the x5), cooling fan, mechanical suspension issues (front AND later in the back) can go on ...
I tried to engage the dealer in my concerns and even bmw usa. Neither of them were responsive or even trying to offer a solution.
Both the X5 and 325 I owned were a big disappointment, for me no more bmw, going with MB from now on completely.
Something Positive: looks, image, and driving performance are a plus."

Excellent Engineering

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"I am about to put in new spark plugs (even though the ride is excellent) at 105,000 miles! I want to follow the manufacturers recommended maintenance to ensure this excellent SUV goes to 200,000 miles plus!
I have a 2002 3.0 and bought it brand new.
Best car investment I ever made! Safety, performance and style is undeniable. Average cost of $1200.00 a year for mechanics, including tires and oil. Incredible German workmanship all around!"

Beauty and the Beast

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"My husband and I have owned our BMW X5 4.8IS for 3 years and still, every time I walk out from the store, my work or my house and I see my car, I smile. It is a piece of art. It is beautiful. We have owned many, many different types of cars but the X5 surpasses them all. The way it handles is like nothing else. You feel safer than ever on the road and you can out smoke just about anyone, which surprises all of the hot rods. (Believe me, I've seen the mouths drop!) You can't drive an X5 and then go back to anything else. You're ruined. It has everything. We've already decided that our next family car will be a new X5, maybe the one that seats 7..."

Get One !

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

"Outstanding vehicle all around, excellent performance handling like a sports car but the comfort of a SUV with a sporty design. Only issues i have had in 4 years were minor and fell under the warranty anyway. I am trading it in and getting a newer one this week ! Great Ride, i really dont know what else i will ever drive...."